Senators raise alarm over theft of research land

Kisii Governor's residence constructed on a two acre land grabbed from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organization. [Eric Abuga/Standard]

Senators have raised the alarm over widespread land grabbing targeting agricultural research institutions, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national food security and scientific research.

During a visit to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) station in Naivasha last week, the Senate Committee on Agriculture identified the institution as among the most affected.

The committee, chaired by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, also cautioned that continued budget cuts in the agriculture sector would have long-term negative consequences for the country.

According to Wakoli, unscrupulous people, in collusion with government officials, have been targeting KALRO land for illegal acquisition.

He stated that the Senate would collaborate with the Ministry of Lands to ensure that all land designated for agricultural research and production is properly documented. “We intend to compile a comprehensive inventory of all such land and push the Ministry of Lands to issue title deeds to safeguard these properties,” he said.

Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda called for amendments to the KALRO Act to empower the institution further in executing its duties.

“We must allocate more funding to KALRO to enhance its production capacity. The institute holds immense potential to make Kenya food-sufficient,” he said.

Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi described the illegal acquisition of KALRO land as a major threat to the country’s food security.

“In Naivasha, the research station covers over 3,000 acres, yet nearly half of this land has been grabbed by private individuals, with related court cases dragging on,” he said.

KALRO Director Samuel Mbuku said the institution was grappling with financial challenges.

“Other key issues include prolonged droughts affecting our production systems and disease outbreaks. However, we are addressing these through the adoption of climate-smart technologies,” he said.